All posts tagged Campus Party

BERLIN — To survive in the future, companies must understand the technology of today, according to the chief executive of Telefónica Europe. That’s why the Spanish telecommunications giant is playing host to 10,000 hackers, geeks, and other technologists in Berlin’s iconic Tempelhof Airport this week.

Telefónica has worked with the Campus Party for at least 16 years, mainly in Latin America. This is the first time it’s been held in Europe outside of Spain. For Telefónica Europe’s José María Álvarez-Pallete, that association has a simple aim: If you want to survive in the future, you have to understand the changes in technology today.

“Our business, telecoms, is evolving so rapidly, and is based around technology,” said Mr. Álvarez-Pallete. “Innovation happens all around you, and happening in the most unexpected places and among people who are getting younger and younger.”

MADRID—First they take Berlin. Then they will take San Francisco, maybe next year.

Well into its second decade of life, Campus Party—a massive gathering of computer and tech aficionados—is finally moving away from its Spanish-speaking roots and into the big leagues, hoping to entice digital citizens away from couches and dorms and into days of 24/7 interaction, both personal and online.

After earlier editions in Spain and several Latin American countries, around 10,000 participants are expected in Campus Party Europe, Berlin, for August 21-26. A U.S. event in San Francisco is being prepared for June 2013.

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